Interior design is about understanding people and how they live

The focus of an interior designer should be the client and the client’s lifestyle, not a formulaic, stereotypical design such as “Classic” or “Modern”, says Ajay Arya, Founder, Ochre at Home.

What led to the inception of Ochre at Home?
A handful of years ago, an idea of haute-on-style furniture and design studio germinated in Sweta Arya’s (Co- founder) mind. The first step towards making it a reality involved selecting a name that would capture its essence: forward-looking, yet rooted in tradition. And what better than Haldi — Ochre — auspicious, festive, glowing, bright, symbolising a veritable golden beginning! ‘Ochre at Home’ (OAH) is a Kolkata-based design company specializing in bespoke furniture that is au courant with upcoming styles and trends.

In your own words, how would you define the term interior design?
At Ochre At Home, we believe that interior design is about understanding people and how they live. The focus of an interior designer should be the client and the client’s lifestyle, not a formulaic, stereotypical design such as “Classic” or “Modern.” Interior design is about the realities of what creates a timeless environment that is attractive and meaningful, which transcends the notion of simply incorporating what is “trendy.”

Kindly shed some light on your product portfolio and the target audience?
Furniture is our strength. Bespoke pieces like coffee tables, consoles, mirror, lounge chairs, sofas etc designed and manufactured in house. We also have some stunning décor/accent pieces curated from all over the world. Our target audience is end users setting up new homes and architects and designers doing it for them. We also design commercial projects like corporate offices and hospitality.

How much of a role creativity and instincts play in your furniture designing?
Well that’s the main quotient. We use our designing skills and creativity to the fullest to make new pieces of furniture every season.

Who are Ochre At Home’s marquee clientele and business plans going forward?
The elite circle of Kolkata and a few from some other cities. We wish to expand our product base and also take the brand to other metropolises.

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